Market Overview
Reston is pricier ($570K median vs $280K), a difference of about $290K. Reston moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 24 in Norfolk. Norfolk offers a lower entry point at $100K–$1M.
Norfolk
VA
Reston
VA
Median Price
$280K
$570K
Avg Days on Market
24 days
14 days
Price Range
$100K–$1M
$250K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Ghent, Downtown Norfolk, West Ghent, Colonial Place
Lake Anne, North Point, South Lakes, Hunters Woods
Schools
Reston leads on school quality with a 83% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 65% in Norfolk. Top schools in Norfolk include Maury High School and Granby High School. In Reston, families look to South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. See Norfolk schools | See Reston schools
Norfolk
VA
Reston
VA
Quality Tier
Average
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
65%
83%
Top Schools
Maury High School, Granby High School, Norfolk Academy (private)
South Lakes High School, Langston Hughes Middle School, Terraset Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Norfolk is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Reston has 2 Metro stations, including Reston Town Center on the Silver line. Major highway access: Norfolk (I-264, I-64, I-564), Reston (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267).
Norfolk
VA
Reston
VA
Drive to Downtown
~10 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
2 Metro stations (nearest: Reston Town Center)
Metro Lines
N/A
Silver
Major Highways
I-264, I-64, I-564, Rt 13
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267
Commuter Rail
None
None
Walkability
Reston is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45 (Car-Dependent), compared to 42 in Norfolk. Transit scores: Norfolk (22) vs Reston (35). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Ghent and Lake Anne score much higher than suburban areas.
Norfolk
VA
Reston
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
22
35
Bike Score
48
52
Safety
Reston is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 27% below Virginia average. Norfolk is rated "Below Average" (72% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Norfolk
VA
Reston
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
4.2/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
24.8/1K
11.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
72% above Virginia average
27% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Norfolk or Reston more affordable?
Norfolk is more affordable with a median home price of $280K, compared to $570K in Reston. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Norfolk prices range from $100K–$1M. Reston prices range from $250K–$1.5M.
Which has better schools, Norfolk or Reston?
Reston has stronger schools overall, with a 83% average pass rate compared to 65% in Norfolk. Top schools in Norfolk include Maury High School and Granby High School. In Reston, standout schools include South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Norfolk or Reston?
Norfolk has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Norfolk has no direct Metro access. Reston has Metro access (Reston Town Center).
Is Norfolk or Reston better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Norfolk is the cultural hub of Hampton Roads, home to Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval base. Reston is a planned community built around lakes, wooded trails, and town centers. The best choice depends on your priorities: budget, school quality, commute length, and neighborhood feel. smover can help you find a verified agent in either city who specializes in family-friendly neighborhoods.
Market data verified by smover using real transaction records. School data from Virginia DOE, Maryland MSDE, and DC OSSE public reports. Property tax rates from Virginia Dept. of Taxation (2024). Walkability scores from Walk Score (2024). Crime data from FBI UCR and Virginia State Police (2023). Commute times are approximate rush-hour estimates. Updated March 2026.